Plumbing for Basement Sump

[cdamiano]

Here's a plumbing question for any of you who might have a bit of plumbing experience:

My tank is a 90 gallon "reef ready" with a 1" drain and a 3/4" return. I am in the process of plumbing it to my basement sump. I am going to use the spa flex hose. It comes in 1" and 1 1/2" sizes. What sizes would you recommend for the drain and the return?

I was thinking of going with a 1 1/2" for the drain and 1" for the return.....

 

[chemisfun11]

What are you trying to accomplish with the larger diameter plumbing? I have the same setup with 1" on the drain and 3/4" on the return. My return is reduced to 1/2" out of the overflow and connected to two sea swirls to maximize flow though.

 

[jnfallon]

Bigger is always better on a drain. 1.5" should be fine. On the return, 1" sounds good too, since less head loss is created than 3/4". What is your return pump?

Jealous of going to the basement. I cant do that here. Now you can add kinds of creative goodies where noone can yell at you for making a mess. Fuge, Frag tanks, Rotifers. Very cool. Back before I was with Liz, I had about 9 tanks all linked together to a common sump. They were in living, dining, kitchen and hallway, lol. Was fun.

 

[cdamiano]

My return pump will probably be a Pan World 100PX-X or an Iwaki 40RLXT. Both connections on the pump are 1".

So, I was thinking of having the return stay at 1" hose from the pump all the way to the tank and then reduce it to 3/4" since that is what the tank is drilled for the return. Wasn't sure if there would be any benefit out of using 1 1/2" hose for this??????

The tank has a 1" hole for the drain and I was thinking of using 1 1/2" hose which I would reduce to 1" at the connection to the tank and the pump. I wasn't sure if I should use the 1" hose for this?????

Definitely looking forward to some of the benefits of having the sump in the basement. I don't currently have a refugium or a frag tank and I am looking forward to having the ability to easily add these on without creating too much of a mess in our living room from this and other maintenance equipment.

 

[cdamiano]

Sorry, need to correct this paragraph

The tank has a 1" hole for the drain and I was thinking of using 1 1/2" hose which I would reduce to 1" at the connection to the tank and the pump. I wasn't sure if I should use the 1" hose for this?????

should be:

The tank has a 1" hole for the drain and I was thinking of using 1 1/2" hose which I would reduce to 1" at the connection to the tank and leave at 1 1'2" to drain into the sump. I wasn't sure if I should use the 1" hose for this?????

 

[jnfallon]

That sounds about right. Only 1 1" return on that tank? That would make me VERY nervous. WAAAAY too easy to get partially clogged and cause big overflow.

If it was me, I would probably use the 3/4 return for an emergency overflow or something and route the return directly to a seaswirl. You're one curious fish/snail/anemone away from needing a new floor (its a very common occurance - make sure you plan for it)

Of course if it was me, I'd buy a 120g and sub before the wife ever noticed. Theres an absolutely gorgeous one for sale on Manhattanreefs for pretty cheap.

 

[cdamiano]

I would love to go bigger (as would almost all of us I'm sure) and get a tank that is setup differently for the drains/returns/etc., but it would also mean getting a new cabinet and going through the whole setup thing again. Not the right timing for either of those things to happen......not yet.

So, for now, I'm just trying to make things easier for the maintenance with what I have.

 

[jnfallon]

I hear ya.

I know I'm being a trouble maker, but here's the tank. My buddy Jhale made the stand and sidetables. This would sell for like $3500 new.

Guy selling it is asking $900 for all pictured. I'm debating getting it myself.

 

[fio1022]

If your looking for different sizes other than 1 & 1 1/2,Savko is the place.Great prices too.
http://www.savko.com/partlist.asp?pgid=4&ptid=19&pid=36

 

[cdamiano]

That's a great price for that tank and stand, and it looks really nice. Sure is tempting, but the timing just isn't right for me.

That Savko site looks like they have some great prices and they have the flexible PVC in all sizes. So, what size tubing would be best for the drain and the return given that I will have a pump with 1" connections for the supply and return and a tank with 1" drain and 3/4" return???

 

[cdamiano]

Plus, If I am going to upgrade.....It would have to be at least a 180G

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10386280#post10386280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cdamiano
That's a great price for that tank and stand, and it looks really nice. Sure is tempting, but the timing just isn't right for me.

That Savko site looks like they have some great prices and they have the flexible PVC in all sizes.

They also sell bulkheads and ball/gate valves that are far higher quality than what you get at Home Depot.